Knife raid terror of Doncaster shop boss

A gang wearing horror masks burst into the home of a Doncaster businessman and threatened him at knifepoint while demanding cash and valuables.

The takeaway owner, who lives in Moorends, was forced to flee for his safety during the attack, which is believed to have been targeted.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the raid in High Hazel Road, Moorends.

Barbara Hedley, ward councillor for the area, said the incident had caused concern in the community. The 51-year-old takeaway owner, who has declined to be identified, said he was at home between 11am and 11.20am on November 7, when four men forced their way into the property.

They threatened him with a knife and demanded cash but the victim managed to escape from the property, after which the four men searched the house and stole cash, jewellery and electrical items.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said the men fled the scene in a stolen black BMW vehicle, which was found at around 11.40am the same day dumped in Park Road, Blaxton.

The car had been stolen the previous week and detectives are trying to trace its movements before the robbery.

Coun Hedley said: “I don’t know all the details but it can’t have been very nice for him.

“This has caused a lot of concern for residents living in that area, especially with it happening in broad daylight.

“The only thing I would say we can do is keep our doors locked at all times, in the day as well as at night. ”

Police have issued descriptions of the men involved.

One was a white male, slim and around 5ft 6ins. He was wearing a grey hooded top, black woollen gloves and a ski mask.

The second suspect was an Asian male of between 28 and 30. He was between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 9ins and stocky.

He had a short stubbly beard and moustache, and had a black handkerchief over his face. He was wearing a T-shirt, jeans and trainers.

The other two men were both between 5ft 10ins and 5ft 11ins and of large build. One was wearing a black and white skull mask, while the other was wearing a Halloween mask.

Witnesses, or anyone with information about the incident, should call South Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 366 of Thursday, November 7, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.